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Baltazar Torres Rivas, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 28th 2011 at the age of 97, just one week before his 98th birthday. He was born on January 4th, 1914 in La Aldea, Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico, and immigrated to the U.S. on May 6, 1925. He later became a U.S. citizen and proud of it. He is preceded in death by his wife Gregoria Duque Rivas, his parents Juan and Crecencia Torres Rivas, a daughter Sara Lara, a son, Santiago Rivas and four brothers; Alberto Rivas, Antonio and Juan Rivas and Isabel Rivas. Survivors include his daughters: Esperanza Guerrero, Rachel Gonzales Jose, and sons, Samuel Maria, Baltazar, Jr. Mary, John Marie and Daniel Juanita and a younger brother, Jose Rivas of Leonorah, Texas. He will be missed by his 32 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren and 23 great-great-grandchildren. While working in Dilley, Texas Baltazar met and married Gregoria Duque. He worked in agriculture throughtout south Texas until 1943 when he started working for Southern Pacific Railroad and moved his family to San Antonio. He retired from the railroad in 1979 after 36 years of service. Baltazar was active in several congregations of the-lglesia de Cristo Church of Christ throughout his life. After Retirement he built a church building next to his residence and gathered a small congregation that still worships there. Baltazar is still respected and admired by his family and friends for his accomplishments and high standards. He lived the remaining years of his life under the watchful care of his oldest daughter Esperanza Guerrero, his son Baltazar Jr. and grandchildren Gilbert Guerrero and JoAnn Gamez. The family is grateful of JoAnn Gamez, whom Baltazar resided with the last years of his life, she became his primary caretaker. He was very appreciative of the care she provided for him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Odyssey Hospice, 4440 S. Piedras Dr., S. A. Tex. 78228. The family thanks Odyssey for their care and support of Baltazar during his illness. Visitation will be at Mission Park Funeral Chapel South on Sunday January 1rst, 2012 from 5PM until 9PM, with a prayer service at 7PM. The Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday January 2nd, 2012 with interment to follow the service at Mission Burial Park.

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Baltazar Torres Rivas Sr.

January 4, 1914 - December 28, 2011